We're now in July, which means that training camp is coming soon.
It's going to be an interesting period for the Washington Commanders, who are entering the next stage of a new regime. It will be general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn's first season leading the Burgundy & Gold, and all eyes will be on Jayden Daniels as he begins to earn his spot as Washington's starting quarterback.
This year's training camp will also feature an overturned roster, half of which is made up of new players and draft picks.
For the next few weeks, Commanders.com will be looking at each position and highlighting some of the challenges they will face until the season begins. Next up are the linebackers.
On the roster
- Bo Bauer
- Jamin Davis
- Keandre Jones
- Frankie Luvu
- Jordan Magee
- Anthony Pittman
- Bobby Wagner
- Mykal Walker
What to watch
- How will Bobby Wagner influence the position? Wagner had already earned his new teammates' respect before he even signed with the Commanders in March. His leadership and production have been established over his Hall of Fame career. Despite being one of the oldest active defensive players, he has still managed to remain consistent, leading the league in tackles in 2023. Washington has a young linebacker corps aside from Wagner, and his guidance should prove invaluable to a group that has struggled in recent years. And while he's still adjusting to the Commanders' new scheme, he's already aware of what Quinn expects from his players.
- Can Jamin Davis have a breakout year? The Commanders elected not to pick up Davis' fifth-year option, meaning that 2024 is going to be an important season for the former first-round pick. Davis had a mixed rookie season but has continued to improve. The real question is whether he will improve enough in Year 4 to earn another contract from Commanders. Washington's new system and coaching staff should help with some of that. They tried him out as a pass-rusher during OTAs -- a role that he seemed to embrace.
- How will the Commanders maximize Frankie Luvu's athleticism? The Commanders were excited that they managed to land Luvu, who had successful 2022 and 2023 seasons as a full-time starter. His athleticism makes him a versatile piece for Joe Whitt Jr. to use all over the field, from a traditional linebacker position to a pass-rusher and even some snaps in coverage. With Wagner operating as a middle linebacker, Luvu will be able to use his speed and quickness to harass ball-carriers. It will be interesting to see all the creative ways Whitt and Quinn intend to maximize his talent.
